It's clear Dimitar Berbatov has the ability to play for Manchester United - but does he have the pace?

Tottenham's top talent has been linked with Old Trafford longer than any Spurs fan would like.

And the heavy hints that he would like to play for a 'top team' are being dropped for Sir Alex Ferguson to hear.

But, while the big Bulgarian showed once again yesterday that he has the flair to light up the United stage, there are real doubts about whether he would fit in with the way Fergie plays.

It's a £30million question and one that will probably go unanswered for the time being with Tottenham in for a Carling Cup Final date that could see a trophy backing up their own ambitions.

One thing is sure, if Berbatov did have pace to go with that close control and magical feet - never mind the power in the air that sometimes goes unnoticed, then the chequebook would have been out already.

Berbatov has that Eric Cantona-style grace and self-belief about him that starts romantics in Red dreaming of the second coming.

However, Ferguson and his spies have to be aware that Berbatov would come in the alsorans if there was a sprint. His mind is fast, the body just does not move at the same speed.

There were times when Berbatov fascinated his markers and had them scared, but he just does not give them the slip. He can't get away from anyone in a straight race.

Obviously United have greyhounds to unleash in Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez, plus the irrepressible Cristiano Ronaldo.

But, last time I checked it was an 11-a-side game and there is no obvious role for Berbatov in Ferguson's dream team.

United have learned the art of the quick attack so well that they launch many of theirs from deep, a quality they need for both domestic and European action.

So Berbatov would not really fit in all of the time, and at his price it would be an expensive luxury that the Glazers would not be too happy to indulge in.

Maybe the striker should focus on making the best of life at Tottenham.

It should be his spiritual home and, if they carry on improving, they will compete for a top four place one day soon.

Mind you there is probably a Spurs money man hoping that United - or someone else - comes in with the big cash.

Because it seems they are still short of bodies to make a squad large enough to fight on all fronts.

It seemed crazy that Spurs, who took the lead when Robbie Keane slotted in Aaron Lennon's cross (inset), began with such a makeshift defence for this huge match. Signing Jonathan Woodgate, and maybe Alan Hutton, would be a start.